Full stop

Cologne Germany Max-Load-Sign-at-Harbour-Crane-34-01

Minuscule 1424, f. 317 r. 1 Tim 3,16

Full stop (.), also known as a period in American English, is a punctuation mark placed at the end of sentences to indicate a full stop or after abbreviations. In the English language, the full stop is used to mark the end of a declarative sentence, the simplest type of sentence, indicating a complete thought. It is one of the most commonly used punctuation marks in many languages.

Usage

The primary function of the full stop is to denote the end of a sentence that is declarative or an indirect question. It shows that the reader should pause before proceeding to the next sentence. In addition to its use in ending sentences, the full stop is also used in abbreviations, such as "Mr." for Mister or "etc." for et cetera. In digital communications, such as emails and text messages, full stops may also be used to convey a tone of finality or seriousness.

History

The full stop has its origins in the writing systems of ancient Greece, where it was used in several different forms to denote different types of pauses in speech. The concept of a full stop as a punctuation mark to indicate the end of a sentence was further developed during the Middle Ages, as Latin script became standardized.

In Digital Communication

In the context of digital communication, the usage of full stops has evolved. Some researchers suggest that the full stop can convey emotion or attitude in text messages and social media, where its absence may make the message seem more casual or friendly. This shift in perception reflects the changing nature of written communication in the digital age.

Typography

In typography, the full stop is used not only at the end of sentences but also in various other contexts. It appears in decimal numbers (e.g., 3.14), between hours and minutes (e.g., 10.30), and in website addresses. The appearance of the full stop can vary depending on the font and typesetting used.

Variations Across Languages

While the full stop is used in many languages to mark the end of a sentence, its role and appearance can vary. For example, in some languages, other marks may be used to indicate different types of sentences or pauses, such as the question mark or exclamation mark. Additionally, the rules for spacing and placement of the full stop may differ from one language to another.

See Also

• Punctuation
• Comma
• Question mark
• Exclamation mark
• Abbreviation